Winning a personal injury case is only half the battle. The real victory is maximizing your client’s compensation so they walk away with what they truly deserve – not just enough to cover their bills, but enough to rebuild their lives.
Whether you’re up against a stubborn insurance company or an opposing counsel that wants to drag things out, there are strategic ways attorneys can tip the scale in their client’s favor.
Here’s how you can do it.
Set Realistic Expectations Early
The first conversation with your client sets the tone for the entire case.
Educate them on the:
- True value of their claim
- Timeline of litigation or settlement
- Potential for negotiation delays
Just remember not to undervalue the case upfront in an attempt to sound realistic. Start high but with reason, backed by evidence, and adjust based on discovery. This helps you hold ground when it’s time to settle.
Build a Strong Medical Narrative
Juries don’t just award based on injuries. They want to see a well-documented, consistent, and credible medical record and treatment.
Having a proper and honest narrative also helps build trust and authenticity in your claims. Help your client:
- Follow through with all medical appointments
- Keep a journal of pain levels and limitations
- Get specialist evaluations when necessary
- Gather written opinions on future treatment or permanent damage
The stronger your medical narrative, the higher the chances of maximizing both economic and non-economic damages.
Avoid a Lowball Settlement
Many personal injury clients are out of work, behind on rent, or drowning in medical debt. And insurance companies know this.
They may drag negotiations, trying to bank on the financial pressure that the client is facing. This is where client legal funding can become a powerful tool.
By connecting your client with a reputable legal funding provider like USClaims, you can:
- Give them immediate access to cash
- Reduce pressure to settle too early
- Buy yourself time to negotiate a higher payout
Legal funds are usually non-recourse advances, which means the client only repays them if the case settles.
Calculate Future Damages
A lot of settlements are based only on what has already happened. Smart attorneys go a step further and factor in future costs as well.
These costs may cover:
- Ongoing physical therapy
- Surgeries
- Lost earning capacity
- Long-term pain or disability
Hire an expert if needed. They can also provide their testimony to help you justify larger numbers.
Emphasize Non-Economic Damages
Don’t wait until closing arguments to talk about emotional distress or loss of enjoyment. These intangible damages can significantly increase the total award, especially if the client’s life has changed dramatically due to the injury.
Support them with:
- Journals or daily logs
- Witness testimony
- Photos or videos showing life before and after the injury
Keep Your Client Informed
Clients who know exactly what’s going on are more likely to trust your strategy, follow through with treatment, and resist settling too early.
Keep them looped in with:
- Regular updates
- Honest timelines
- Explanations of complex or legal processes
A confident client is a calm client. And a calm client doesn’t panic when things go a bit sideways.
Also Read-Boost Your Business Visibility with Mobile Advertising
